BREEDING AND SEED PRODUCTION OF AGRICULTURAL CROPS
The particularities of the changes of the morphological parameters of plants-regenerants of tomato hybrids F1 during prolonged cultivation in conditions of in vitro have been studied. The cultivation during 12 passages in hormoneless MS medium does not lead to somaclonal variants, but act to raise the increasing of coefficient of variability of plants-regenerants features.
PLANTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY
Analysis of morphological and physiological characters of amaranth varieties of VNIISSOK and Ecuador breeding grown under optimal conditions, as well as at low temperature and precipitation deficit showed a reduction in height, number of leaves and inflorescence length to different extents. It points to the different resistance of varieties to the unfavorable environmental factors.
A comparative evaluation of 20 hot pepper varieties according to pungency determination by organoleptic, spectrophotometric methods, and HPLC has been done. The capsaicin concentrations were in the range 1.0-7.15 mg/g d.w., pungency value - (17440-153120) SHU. A direct correlation between organoleptic analysis and capsaicin content determined spectrophotometrically and using HPLC was determined. Spectrophotometric method was shown to give elevated values of capsaicin concentration especially in samples with low pungency, that was related to lack of chromatographic separation of capsaicin extract.
Pumpkin fruits are the source of carbohydrates, mineral salts and vitamins during wintertime. The change of the biochemical compositions of pumpkin fruits depending on storage time has been studied. The results of chemical analysis revealed that during four months of storage the content of quality indicators increased followed by its reduction after five and more month of storage.
PLANT PROTECTION
On an experimental basis of the Scientific Center of vegetable, melon and industrial crops (Republic of Armenia) 20 accessions of the world germplasm of Capsicum annuum L. (sweet pepper, chili) provided by the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC) have been studied. The accessions resistant to such diseases as verticillium wilt (Verticillium albo-atrum Reincke), bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum (= Pseudomonas solanacearum), tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), blossom end rot of fruit, and tip-burn have been selected. These genotypes of chili and sweet pepper are the promising initial material in breeding for resistance to common diseases. In collaboration with other breeders, five varieties of peppers were developed and released: sweet pepper cultivars Natalie, Emily, Miles, and chili cultivars Zita and Gita.
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION
We have studied the locally released early-season melon varieties (cv. Anush), cucumber (cv. Maneh), and marrow squash (cv. Anna) under the conditions of Ararat valley to assess the influence of meteorological conditions on the development rates and productivity of the summer and spring-planted vegetable plants. Research has been conducted on the experimental field of the Scientific Center of Vegetable, Melon and Industrial Crops (2011-2013). Depending on the seeding time (spring or summer), the tested varieties varied in the durations of germination, blooming and fruit formation periods as well as in the plant resistance to low and high temperatures in spring and summer, respectively. It was found that, the summer-planted cucurbits crops have significantly shorter plant development phenological phases and prolonged fruit-bearing periods as compared to the spring-planted plants. It was proved for cucumber and marrow squash crops. The yields of the spring-planted melon, cucumber and marrow squash crops were 30,5; 24,8 and 42,5 t/ha, respectively, while the yields of the summer-planted crops were lower (39,9; 7,8 and 8,6%).
The result of the study of 12 watermelon hybrids of foreign breeding in condition of south zone of the Amur region is presented. The varieties characteristics and agro-technical recommendations are provided. The productivity of the most promising F1 hybrid, Shakura, was 33 kg per plant at average weight of fruit 11-12 kg. Amount of mature fruits per plant in hybrids Baraka, Bomba, and Krimson Rubi was the same as in hybrid Shakura, but average weight of fruit and productivity of these hybrids were lower (9.9 – 11.2 kg per plant). The hybrid Тор Gаn F1 developed a minimal number of fruit, but it was early ripening as compared with other hybrids. By comparison with the local varieties, all tested genotypes have bigger marketable fruits, higher yield, and good eating qualities.
Data on the time of origin and habitat of chufa nut is presented in the article. Brief description, biological particularities, nutrition value, and agricultural technology of this crop in condition of central Russia are described. The possibility of growing the chufa nut were shown in the experiment conducted in the VNIISSOK. The average yield of root nodules in condition of greenhouse was 1.8-2.2 kg/m2.
ISSN 2618-7132 (Online)